BCCI extends deadline for IPL player list submission before mini-auction

Activity has intensified in cricket circles ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction. Renowned analyst and former opening batsman for the Indian team, Akash Chopra, shared unexpected insights regarding the strategy of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on his special show 'Akashvani.'

Analyzing the team composition, Chopra noted that the franchise does not need to make significant changes to its championship squad and can retain almost all players. He provided a detailed review of each RCB player's performance.

Chopra emphasized that the franchise management formed a very strong and balanced team during the last mega-auction, so they will not have to rack their brains during the mini-auction. The team already includes strong players such as Phil Salt, Tim David, and Jordan Cox, capable of changing the course of a match at any moment.

Akash jokingly stated that Devdutt Padikkal, valued at 2 crore, should be kept in the team on a bonus basis, which clearly indicates his support for retaining this player. Furthermore, Chopra recommended keeping Jacob Bethell in the squad, whose value is 2.6 crore.

Regarding Venkatesh Iyer, Chopra felt that the sum of 7 crore might be slightly high, but he noted that Iyer has always proven his worth when given the opportunity. Since he is part of two champion teams, retaining him in the squad is a sensible decision.

The analyst appeared more hesitant concerning Romario Shepherd. He mentioned that 1.5 crore is not an excessive amount, but the player's recent performance was somewhat weak. He suggested that the franchise might decide to release him, and the situation is assessed as 50-50. Moreover, considering his wicket-keeping skills and powerful lower-order batting, Jitesh Sharma should be retained in the team.

Rasik Salam Dar, who played as an uncapped player last year and made a splash with his bowling performance, played a major role in making RCB champions, so he must be kept at all costs. Additionally, Akash Chopra also advocated for including Suyash Sharma in the team.

Before the start of the IPL 2027 season, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team has made significant changes to its squad, with decisions affecting not only the coaching staff but also the players themselves. The team's results last season were extremely unsatisfactory.

The new head coach, Zahir Khan, visited Mumbai after the first official meeting in Chennai. He intends to meet with former CSK captain MS Dhoni. This meeting will take place shortly before the registration deadline of November 15 and will determine the future direction of CSK.

One of the most discussed issues is the decision on whether to retain two young talents—Prashant Vir and Kartik Sharma. The franchise acquired both players during the last mega auction at a high price—14.20 crore rupees each.

Following the departure of Stephen Fleming and major changes in the coaching staff, all responsibility now lies with Zahir Khan. After incorporating new personnel such as former coach Gary Batty and Albi Murdoch into the staff, Zahir will discuss the player list with Tala in Mumbai.

This meeting is of great importance because Chennai, which failed to make the playoffs last season, has decided to conduct a serious overhaul of its main squad. The decision made by Dhoni and Zahir will influence who remains in the squad and whose spot will be vacated, including the evaluation of foreign players' performance and budget balancing.

The future of the young left-handed all-rounder Prashant Vir and the young player Kartik Sharma, who plays as a batsman and wicketkeeper, is being actively discussed. CSK acquired Prashant Vir, whose base price was only 30 lakh rupees, but he received a high bid of 14.20 crore rupees, making him the most expensive unrestricted player in IPL history. He is being considered as a successor to Ravindra Jadeja.

Kartik Sharma was also added to the Chennai team at a substantial price of 14.20 crore rupees.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the appointment of a new chairman for the Junior Cricket Committee. This responsibility has been given to former fast bowler Parvindar Avana, who played only two T20 International matches for India.

Krishna Das, Rakesh Patel, and N. Arjun Yadav are also part of the committee, with a fifth member to be appointed later.

The consultative cricket commission (CAC) completed the selection process for the Junior Committee. After reviewing applications and conducting interviews, the CAC recommended Parvindar Avana as chairman.

Parvindar Avana, currently 40 years old, represented India in two T20 International matches. During his career, he took 191 wickets in 62 first-class matches. He represented Delhi, India A, and Rest of India. Additionally, he played for Kings Eleven Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the IPL.

After retiring, Avana worked in coaching, collaborating with Delhi teams in the U-16, U-19, and U-23 age groups. He also participated in various high-level BCCI/COE programs and the India U-19 team.

Krishna Das, a former fast bowler from Assam and Goa, took on responsibilities after taking 166 wickets in 49 first-class matches. He was part of the India A and India U-19 teams. Later, he served as the bowling coach for the India U-19 team, as well as the bowling coach for the Uttarakhand Ranji Trophy team.

Rakesh Patel represented Gujarat and Baroda. He played not only for India A but also in the Dalip Trophy, Devdhar Trophy, and Irani Trophy tournaments. While working as a coach, he worked with the U-19, U-23, and senior teams of Gujarat and Baroda. In the 2025-26 season, he was the head coach of the Baroda U-23 team.

N. Arjun Yadav was part of the Indian U-19 championship team that won the title in 2000. He also played for India A and played 83 first-class matches. After playing for Hyderabad, he transitioned into coaching, becoming the head coach of the senior and U-23 teams of Hyderabad. Since 2022, he has also served as a match referee for the BCCI.

Currently, there are four members in the Junior Selection Committee: Parvindar Avana will be the chairman, and Krishna Das, Rakesh Patel, and N. Arjun Yadav will serve as committee members. Information about the fifth committee member will be announced later.